Below we have for you the best combination square out there with their detailed reviews and pros and cons to enable you to decide which one is the best for you.
But before we talk about them, our buyer’s guide will give you an idea of what to look for in the perfect combination square.
Buyer’s Guide
Below is a list of features that you should consider when buying a combination square to make your purchase satisfactory.
Quality Combination
When you are buying something, you are investing your money in the product; hence, you expect it to work at its full potential as the results matter.
Therefore, you should ensure that its features match the exact standards of quality and price that you are looking for.
If you are buying a used combination square, then you should check whether it is tuned and square.
You can even test this by striking a line twice in the same place and check whether they are on top of each other. This will help you identify their accurate measures.
You should go for a machinist quality square with a hardened blade, anvil, level, and scriber.
If you do not make sure that quality and accuracy is ensured in the combination square, you will find inaccuracies in your readings in the future.
Accessories
Another factor you should look for is the accessories the product brings with it. You should look for each and every accessory you think you will need for a job to get done.
Be it a bolt draw, a two-sided graduated scale, a scriber, head, anvil, level, and whatnot.
If you are comfortable with an actual blue vial, then look for it and if you want yellow coloring then look for that. Make sure you make no compromises when it comes to accessories.
You also need to make sure that even if you cannot buy an expensive combination square, you buy one from a reputable brand known for excellent customer service, quality, and good warranty packages so that in case of any issue you can turn to them with queries.
For example, you should make sure that the blade size is appropriate for the scale of work, and in case of an error, you can get it exchanged or order suitable accessories to help you.
Price
Make sure to compare different products and their prices. Some products may be in your price range, causing you to pick it but may not have all the accessories you need or the quality you desire.
Therefore, once you know the price range you want your tool to fall on, compare all within that range to ensure maximum benefits.
Top 12 Combination Squares Reviews
An elaborate description of the best combination squares, their pro, and cons and why one should buy them.
1. Accusize Industrial Tools Combination Square
This four-piece set can be used for multiple purposes which include setups, layouts, checking heights, depths, and angle setups.
It was tough and fully hardened blades. The tempered square head has a level, and scriber points and satin chrome finish making it easy to read.
The tool allows for exceptional accuracy and precision. It has micro-fine blade 4R graduations: 8ths, 16ths, 32nds, and 64ths.
It weighs just 3.42 pounds and is portable and easy to carry around.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Oil coating prevents rust
- Super precise and accurate
- Well built
Cons:
- Rough edges of the ruler
- Parts do not fit together perfectly
2. iGaging Combination Square Set
This is a set of combination squares of 6 inch and 12-inch high precision. With its 6 inches 4R blade and 12-inch 4R blade it can perform numerous functions.
The blades are graduated in 8ths, 16ths, 32nds, and 64ths. The satin chrome blades are heavy-duty hardened and won’t break or get damaged easily.
The accuracy level is 0.0008” per inch, and the laser-etched graduations are super easy to read.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- High quality
- Solid built
- Affordable
Cons:
- Sharp edges need to be filed
3. Swanson Tool TC130 Combo Square
Swanson’s combination square is a very versatile multi-tool that can be used as a square, scriber, depth gauge, and a level.
Its body is made of die-cast zinc and stainless steel blades inscribed with black etchings and brass hardware.
The CNC machined working surfaces are so accurate that they provide more reliable accuracy.
The 12” combination square features an impact-resistant acrylic level vial that is designed so strong that it can withstand worksite abuse much more than any other square out there.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Spring-loaded brass bolt assures accurate settings
- Body resistant to corrosion
- Suitable to both professionals and beginners
- Compact and easy to carry
- Versatile; ideal for masonry, woodwork, etc.
Cons:
- Measurements challenging to read due to glare
- Wobbles
4. Mr. Pen- Combination Square
Mr. Pen’s 12’ combination square is heavy-duty with a corrosion-resistant stainless steel body. It has a brass bolt to ensure accuracy and thus, reliability of readings.
Mr. Pen can accurately measure and draw angles of 45 and 90 degrees. It has a brass scriber and level, and its blade is marked with exact readings of 1/16, 1/8 and 1/32 inches.
The square is rust-free and durable, great for the workplace.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Rust-free
- Accurate readings
- Versatile
- Easy to carry
- Durable
Cons:
- Very thin
- The opposite side has smaller numbers that are difficult to read
5. Irwin Tools Combination Square
This combination square is a 12” long, durable one made of zinc. It has black precision-etched scales that give accurate readings.
All the numbers are easy to read, and the body itself is robust and resistant to corrosion.
The square is perfect for 45 degrees and 90-degree markings and can also be used as a gauge to transfer measurements.
The blade is made of stainless that makes it very long-lasting and able to withstand the abuse of a workplace.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Long-lasting and durable
- Rust-free
- Easy to carry around
Cons:
- The angle between blade and base is not square
6. T Square Combination Square
This ruler is made of stainless steel and is hence, rust-proof and highly durable. It has a measurement range of 180 degrees and a precision of 5’/0.08 degrees.
Not only is it accurate, but it is also ideal for measuring the inner and outer corners of something due to a beveled edged blade, roller knobs, and fine adjustments.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Straight ruler length of 300mm
- Accurate
- Rust and corrosion free
- Multi-purpose
Cons:
- Glare may make readings challenging to read
7. Johnson Level & Tool Combination Square
This tool has a strong cast zinc head and is coated to protect it from rusting.
It has an acrylic vial; computer machined gauging edges and a robust steel blade with permanently stamped, accurate graduations that allow your readings to be very reliable.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Stainless steel blade with etched graduations
- Accurate
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons:
- Not suited for exact work
8. Empire Level E280 Combination Square
This US-manufactured tool is a 16-inch stainless steel blade, resistant to rust and corrosion. It is durable and comes with a genuine blue vial for accuracy.
The heavy-duty machined square head allows it to withstand worksite wear and tear. It also has a self-aligning draw bolt and hardened scriber.
Very accurate and easy to carry around, this tool is a go-to product for sure.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Durable
- Compact
- Rust-free
- Accurate
Cons:
- A blue liquid can be hard to see
9. Starrett C11H-12-4R Combination Square
The great thing about this tool is how technically it is designed to make it durable and resistant to worksite wear and tear as well as rusting.
The accurate machine divided blade has a satin chrome finish, the body is made of hardened steel, and the head is made of cast iron with a black wrinkle finish.
It has a reversible lock bolt, spirit level, and scriber which make readings easy to record and precise.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Durable
- Accurate
- Compact
- Multi-tasking ability
Cons:
- Pricey compared to other brands
10. IRWIN Tools Combination Square
This combination square has a length of six inches. It has a cast-zinc body that makes it resistant to corrosion and hence, wear-tear.
Therefore, it can easily be of use at harsh worksites too. It has a stainless steel blade that is also designed for rugged use.
The scales are black, which makes it easy to read. They are precision etched to give accurate 45 and 90-degree readings.
It is suitable for both beginners and professionals and at both quiet and harsh workplaces.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Durable
- Easy to read
- Precise and accurate
- Resistant to rust and corrosion
- Versatile
Cons:
- Square is not well made-requires oiling
11. Swanson SVC133 Combination Square
This tool is different from the others. Its scale is graduating using chemical etching. Also, the savage strength frame is made of aerospace aluminum.
Strong and durable as it is, it also is very accurate due to precision machined surfaces.
The brass tightening bolt and scribe awl also ensures that errors are minimized and it also has an acrylic block vial.
Compact, it is easy to carry around and a handy, multi-purpose tool that every professional should keep in his box of tools.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Long-lasting build
- Smooth surfaces
- Versatility
Cons:
- Not exactly square
- Opposite side with metric readings-may be an issue for some users
12. Empire Level Pocket Combination Square
This tool is exact because it has a precision machined square head and accurate blue vials that give accuracy up to 0.001.
The 6-inch etched stainless steel blade has metric graduations and is rust-free. Therefore, it survives longer even in harsh worksites where chances of wear and tear are high.
The self-aligning draw bolt and hardened scriber are also designed to increase precision and accuracy of the tool; therefore; it is fit for professionals.
This tool is made in the USA.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Precise
- Easy to use
- Strong built
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Tolerances are too tight, hence, challenging to slide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the size of a square combination?
Combination Squares are available in a number of sizes. Blades come in many sizes with various lengths such as 4 inch, 6 inches, 12 inches, and 24 inches.
The perfect size for a combination square will be either 4 inches or 6 inches.
What is a combination square used for?
A combination square can be used for multiple purposes. It is primarily used for ensuring the integrity of a 90° angle, measuring a 45° angle, measuring the center of a circular object, finding depth, and simple distance measurements.
Moreover, it can also be used to determine level and plumb using its spirit level vial.
With all of these crucial functions, it performs, it is a vital tool that every carpenter or mason should have.
What is a combination set?
A combination set is also known as a combination square set. It is used as a measuring tool that is designed to measure angles and lengths.
Mostly, it is used by woodworkers and engineers.
How accurate are combination squares?
It is entirely accurate because it has an accuracy of up to .00050 inches. Moreover, it has a built-in subscriber that is made up of stiff materials.
Blades are easily changed, and it has a draw bolt that is self-aligning for more effective results.
Conclusion
We hope that you are now fully equipped to buy the best combination square for yourself.
We are sure you’ll find it amongst our top 12 picks for the best combination squares.
